We must truly love our Self before we can offer love to another. In order to do that this book takes us through the necessary steps to become an Integrated Self, able to generate self love. Thus we are able to increase our capacity for creating loving relationships. Suzann provides an inclusive overview of the history of healing from a scientific, spiritual and psychological perspective that carries the reader along on this fascinating journey to wholeness.

Building off the idea that when we are happier, we tend to be healthier, Exploring Intimacy explains the phenomenon of how intuitive knowing fosters healthy relationships that contribute to our physical, mental, and emotional health. Readers learn to utilize a variety of pathways that will change responses to others and will produce lasting, more rewarding, and closer relationships in all areas. This book is designed to aid readers in looking inward and experiencing how your intuitive sixth sense informs your ability to be intimate without the negative triggers of past experiences. Through a considered and thoughtful approach, Robins offers insight into cultivating a truly Integrated Self so that one may lead a more fulfilling and healthful life.

ExcerptHave you ever noticed a very young baby’s willingness to make eye contact? Small children know how to pleasure themselves and to please others. They know how to smile and do so automatically. From birth, we have an instinctual desire for silliness and game playing. Babies know how to focus and have fun, it happens naturally. Eventually, stranger anxiety is a normal part of the developmental process. Spontaneity lessens as the body’s mind contracts, expands, and creates defense mechanisms for protection from outside forces.
During our early teen years, many of us find pleasure participating in sports, discovering musical preferences, sharing video games, movies, books, cartoons or comics, joining groups, and exploring sexual feelings. Teenagers often shop to look good not only for our own satisfaction but also to fit in with those we want to attract. Some of us experiment with drugs and alcohol. Many begin working and seek out others who are involved in aspects of life they want to learn more about. We are naturally inquisitive and ask countless questions.
As we grow, we are supposed to stop playing and “act our age.” In most cultures, older teens are encouraged to “settle down” and “get serious.” At least this is what was encouraged in previous generations. With today’s changing mores, many people begin erotic sexual expression younger than ever before. In the past, most religious practices only allowed erotic energy within a marriage contract.
In Freud’s view, sexual longing was outside the strict moral code of his day. Therefore, most sexual acts were to be concealed, and desire to be experienced only without intention, at a subliminal or subconscious level. His teachings regarded sublimation of this desire as the defense mechanism that meant channeling unacceptable impulses into more suitable outlets. He implied that it was important to spend energy or vital life force on other creative endeavors and viewed sexual thoughts or emotions as inappropriate.
In Jung’s view, it was important to follow all desire as both a biological and psychological instinct. He found that longing and desire could lead to an opening of the collective unconscious or superconscious that he referred to as the soul.
Responses to these teachings have helped eliminate this limited way of thinking for many people. However, some people are still caught in this dilemma, although most healthy adults explore pleasurable experiences. In addition to following their sexual urges, they enjoy music and dancing, engage in playing sports, games, hobbies, and other leisure time activities like reading, watching sports, television, or movies.
Some take a more participatory active role; while others become passive observers. In some cases, these activities provide joy and pleasure, for other people the same activity can cause stress, pain, and mental anguish. The required ingredients for sustained, balanced flow of vital life force energy can vary from one situation to another and from one stage of life to the next. It is essential to know the range of choices available regarding the essential mix of these ingredients.

C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Energy Medicine, President Emeritus, Holos University Graduate SeminaryHappiness is an inside job, but it depends greatly on how well you integrate with loved ones, friends, and people in general. Love is the desire to do good for others. Suzann's book lays a solid foundation for building loving relations. Do good to yourself by following the path.

booklistRobins’ well-researched text skillfully weaves historic perspectives with overviews of mind-body-spirit
system theories and exercises designed to help us reconnect with others and our environment.
Consciousness study began when Freud suggested that early childhood memories caused body distress. The rise of postwar individualist thinking led to military and industrial establishments that sought to control the destiny of individuals and the world by emphasizing materialism to the detriment of emotional and social health. Robins reviews subsequent reactions against such reductiveness. She suggests “a call to conscious awareness” and recognizes that discerning inner truths allows access to healing energy and enables individuals to regain and maintain balance and follow the “Path of Love.” Filled with illustrations of body chakras, the flow of positive and negative forces, and the overlapping circles of nature and nurture,
this comprehensive study smoothly blends Eastern and Western approaches to healing energy. Robins’ detailed, richly interpretative, and practical study will find an audience among those who are seriously involved with and interested in alternative therapies.
— Whitney Scott

Gina OgdenExploring Intimacy wakes us up to the infinite varieties of connection, human and divine. Suzann Robins skillfully weaves together the wisdom of scientists and healers across cultures and across history, and offers valuable suggestions for tapping into our own deep wisdom—especially to nurture our current relationships as teachers, healers, survivors, thrivers, and lovers.

Gina Ogden, Ph.D. Author of Women Who Love Sex, The Heart and Soul of Sex, and The Return of Desire.